Mecca Man wins National Bingo Caller of the Year title

Blake Robson, from Mecca Bingo in South Shields, has been judged Britain’s Bingo Caller of the Year, at the competition final held in London on 25th November. He received the top award from TV personality Lorraine Chase, in front of an appreciative audience of discerning bingo players who cheered him on, some of whom had travelled on coaches from South Shields to support their favourite caller. Each of the six finalists, hailing from all over Britain, tried to impress the judges with their knowledge of the game, their personality, stagecraft and professionalism; but Blake’s superior knowledge; showmanship skills, and clarity of calling put him right on top.

Last year’s winner and one of this year’s judges, Brett Hyrjak, from Bristol told us, “It was a tremendously hard fought contest. Each of the six finalists had something different to offer; some were superb showmen; other’s had great calling voices, so the marking was quite close indeed. We wanted a winner who was not only an excellent bingo caller, but who would be able to take on the role of ambassador for the bingo industry, with all the personality and panache that the job requires. I think he will do a magnificent job“.

Blake was absolutely thrilled with his success, saying “I just can’t believe it – I watched the other contestants on stage and they were all fantastic. I felt that I had made a strong impression in my interview with the judges and my on-stage routine went well, so I knew I stood a good chance. It really hasn’t sunk in yet. I’m delighted to have won. Bingo is big business now with up to £200,000 to be won on the National Game every night, so, when you are calling, every player is concentrating totally on your voice; you have to be clear, concise and keep it interesting by changing your intonation and pitch – but most of all you can’t afford to make a mistake, not with that sort of money at stake.” His prize is a week for two in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, plus £500 spending money, and the chance to call a bingo game at the fabulous Suncoast Casino in Las Vegas.